Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew
When money was tight and mouths were many, this was the dinner my grandpa always trusted. This Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Poor Man’s Stew is a timeless, Depression-era comfort food recipe made with simple pantry staples that stretch into a filling, satisfying meal. It’s hearty, affordable, and designed to feed the whole family without stress.
Made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, and tomato sauce, this old-fashioned stew slowly simmers into a rich, thick gravy while you go about your day. It’s the definition of a cheap slow cooker dinner, yet the flavor tastes like you cooked all day—because you did, just effortlessly.
Perfect for busy weeknights, cold evenings, or when you need a budget dinner idea that goes a long way, this recipe proves that simple food can still be deeply comforting and incredibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Poor Man’s Stew:
Budget-friendly meal using affordable, everyday ingredients
5-ingredient slow cooker recipe no fancy extras required
Hearty and filling, ideal for large families
Hands-off cooking let the crockpot do the work
Great for leftovers and meal prep
A classic comfort food stew that brings back nostalgic flavors
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (80–85% lean)
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 medium carrots, sliced
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
Instructions:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
Place the potatoes, carrots, and onion into the bottom of a 5–6 quart slow cooker.
Spoon the cooked ground beef evenly over the vegetables.
Pour the tomato sauce over everything. Do not add water the vegetables release enough moisture.
Gently stir once or twice to lightly combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until vegetables are fork-tender and the sauce thickens into a rich stew.
Stir well before serving. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
Serving Ideas:
Serve this hearty beef and potato stew with:
Sandwich bread or dinner rolls
Cornbread
Cooked rice or egg noodles to stretch the meal even further
Tips & Easy Variations (Optional):
Add quick oats or a spoon of flour to thicken the stew even more a classic old-school trick
Use ground turkey for a leaner version
Add pantry spices like garlic powder or dried thyme for extra flavor
Leftovers are perfect over toast, rice, or even baked potatoes
